MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 00:57:56| >> :600:100406:100406:

Ian Ritchie: 'England can win World Cup'

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie believes that England are capable of winning the World Cup, despite his criticism of their performance in the Six Nations.

RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie has insisted that England are capable of winning this year's Rugby World Cup despite missing out on the Six Nations title yet again.

The Red Rose finished as runners-up for the fourth consecutive year following a dramatic final day, a performance of which Ritchie was fiercely critical.

However, he believes that Stuart Lancaster's side are still in the mix to lift the Webb Ellis Cup on home soil later this year, providing they get the "small margins" right.

"I'm absolutely sure when we get to the World Cup it's going to be small margins that will make the difference between winning and losing. It usually boils down to who delivers on the day," Ritchie told reporters.

"Are we in the frame enough to win it? Yes, I think we've got enough talent. I've got to think and believe - and I know the team and Stuart believe that - that we can win this.

"We should be able to win it. Will we do it? Then that depends on our application and execution doing the games. It's frankly as simple as that."

England have been drawnn in a tricky World Cup group alongside Australia, Fiji, Uruguay and Wales.

ID:213249: cacheID:213249:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2240:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie faces the media at an end of tour press conference held at the Radisson Blu Hotel on June 24, 2012
Read Next:
RFU chief unhappy with England failure
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!